How to: Clear and Compliant OSHA Safety Signs

OSHA and ANSI

What are the rules for safety signs? What’s required?

Decades ago, OSHA created a rule for consistent safety signage in the workplace: 29 CFR 1910.145. This regulation describes types of signs for preventing accidents and injuries.

Originally, the rule referred to the approach used in an industry-standard called ANSI Z53 (1967). Since then, that industry standard has been revised many times: the current version is ANSI/NEMA Z535 (2017).

OSHA lets employers follow newer editions of a referenced standard whenever that will provide equal or better protection for workers. Industry experts recommend keeping facility signs clear and up-to-date using this most recent standard.

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Parts of a Safety Sign

A clear and consistent format is key to quick recognition and understanding.

Signal Word Panel (Header)
- Safety Alert Symbol
- Signal Word
Message Panel
- Message Text
- Symbol or Pictogram

Choosing a Sign Header

Is it a Hazardous Situation?

If No: use a SAFETY or NOTICE header
If Yes: Is there potential for an accident?
- If No: use a NOTICE header
  - If Yes:
  - If it will cause death or injury: use DANGER header
  - If it may cause death or serious injury: use WARNING header
  - If it may cause minor or moderate injury: use CAUTION header
  - If it may cause property damage: use NOTICE header

Writing a Message

When choosing what a sign will say, make your message clear, direct, and readable.

Most urgent information first
Direct instructions
Simple phrasing
Sentence-style capitalization
Left-aligned text
Sans-serif font (like Arial or Helvetica)

Symbols and Pictograms

The right image can clarify or support a sign’s message.

Choose a symbol that’s easy to recognize and relates directly to the most important information on a sign. If a specific hazard is present or specific PPE is needed, show it with an image.

Optionally, a symbol can appear with a surrounding shape. These shapes have useful meanings: